Tatie Danielle tells the story of a cantankerous widow who lives in her house in Auxerre with Odile, her maid and, incidentally, her scapegoat. Odious, petty, a liar and capricious, her only outbursts of affection are for her dog “Garde-à-vous”. When Odile accidentally kills herself, Tatie Danielle is forced to sell her house. She then leaves to settle in Paris, with her nephew, Jean-Pierre Billard, his wife Catherine and their two children. Very quickly, the old lady will become odious with those around her…
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Available on select episodes/shows
Casting
Tsilla Chelton, Isabelle Nanty, Catherine Jacob, Neige Dolsky, Eric Prat, Laurence Février, Gary Ledoux, Mathieu Foulon, André Wilms, Karin Viard
Directed by
Etienne Chatiliez
– What themes are explored in the film Tatie Danielle?
The Cynical and Wicked World of Tatie Danielle: A Film Review
Tatie Danielle, a 1990 French dark comedy film, tells the story of a bitter and cantankerous widow who wreaks havoc on the lives of those around her. Directed by Étienne Chatiliez, this critically acclaimed film is a masterclass in portraying the darker aspects of human nature, expertly crafting a narrative that is both humorous and unsettling.
The Controversial Protagonist
At the center of the film is the titular character, Tatie Danielle, played by Tsilla Chelton. This odious and spiteful woman lives in her grand house in Auxerre, France, where she is waited on hand and foot by her loyal maid, Odile. However, Odile’s devotion is rewarded with constant criticism, manipulation, and emotional abuse. Tatie Danielle is a master of playing the victim, always finding ways to shift the blame onto others for her own shortcomings and misfortunes.
A Web of Deceit and Manipulation
Tatie Danielle’s world is built on a foundation of lies, deceit, and manipulation. She is a chameleon-like character, adapting her behavior to suit her own interests and desires. Her only genuine display of affection is reserved for her beloved dog, “Garde-à-vous,” who seems to be the only living being immune to her toxic behavior.
The Fateful Accident
The film takes a dramatic turn when Odile accidentally kills herself while trying to escape Tatie Danielle’s constant bullying. This event sets off a chain reaction of events, exposing the true nature of Tatie Danielle’s character to those around her. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Tatie Danielle’s web of deceit and manipulation has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only those closest to her but also the community at large.
A Dark Comedy of Manners
Tatie Danielle is often described as a dark comedy of manners, a genre that satirizes the social conventions and hypocrisy of the bourgeoisie. The film’s witty dialogue and clever character development make it a scathing critique of the upper class, exposing the shallow and selfish nature of those who occupy it.
Critical Acclaim and Legacy
Tatie Danielle has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Tsilla Chelton’s riveting performance as the titular character. The film has been nominated for several awards, including the César Award for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress. Its influence can be seen in many subsequent French films, including the works of directors like François Ozon and Michael Haneke.
Conclusion
Tatie Danielle is a film that will leave you both entertained and unsettled. Its complex characters, witty dialogue, and biting social commentary make it a must-watch for fans of dark comedies and those interested in exploring the darker aspects of human nature. If you’re looking for a film that will challenge your perceptions and make you laugh, then Tatie Danielle is the perfect choice.
Keywords: Tatie Danielle, Étienne Chatiliez, Tsilla Chelton, French dark comedy, dark comedy of manners, critically acclaimed film, César Award, François Ozon, Michael Haneke.
**What themes are explored in the character of Tatie Danielle and her relationships in the film?**
The Cynical and Wicked World of Tatie Danielle: A Film Review
Tatie Danielle, a 1990 French dark comedy film, tells the story of a bitter and cantankerous widow who wreaks havoc on the lives of those around her. Directed by Étienne Chatiliez, this critically acclaimed film is a masterclass in portraying the darker aspects of human nature, expertly crafting a narrative that is both humorous and unsettling.
The Controversial Protagonist
At the center of the film is the titular character, Tatie Danielle, played by Tsilla Chelton. This odious and spiteful woman lives in her grand house in Auxerre, France, where she is waited on hand and foot by her loyal maid, Odile. However, Odile’s devotion is rewarded with constant criticism, manipulation, and emotional abuse. Tatie Danielle is a master of playing the victim, always finding ways to shift the blame onto others for her own shortcomings and misfortunes.
A Web of Deceit and Manipulation
Tatie Danielle’s world is built on a foundation of lies, deceit, and manipulation. She is a chameleon-like character, adapting her behavior to suit her own interests and desires. Her only genuine display of affection is reserved for her beloved dog, “Garde-à-vous,” who seems to be the only living being immune to her toxic behavior.
The Fateful Accident
The film takes a dramatic turn when Odile accidentally kills herself while trying to escape Tatie Danielle’s constant bullying. This event sets off a chain reaction of events, exposing the true nature of Tatie Danielle’s character to those around her. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Tatie Danielle’s web of deceit and manipulation has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only those closest to her but also the community at large.
A Dark Comedy of Manners
Tatie Danielle is often described as a dark comedy of manners, a genre that satirizes the social conventions and hypocrisy of the bourgeoisie. The film’s witty dialogue and clever character development make it a scathing critique of the upper class, exposing the shallow and selfish nature of those who occupy it.
**Critical Ac